Honda Jazz – EX,1.5 i-MMD e-CVT
Review by Tony Yates
Since 2001, and over three previous generations, the Honda Jazz has brought a unique approach to the compact city car market: Small doesn’t have to mean impractical, and practical doesn’t have to mean predictable.
Those near two decades worth of constant development have resulted in the all-new Jazz models built around an all-new ultra-efficient hybrid powertrain along with exceptional levels of economy, performance, and refinement.
Sporting an all-new design and powertrain, the new Jazz is instantly recognizable and identifiable as Honda’s iconic city car; compact dimensions, timeless styling that proves form and function are not mutually exclusive.
Power and Efficiency:
The Honda Jazz comes with a clever hybrid system that uses a mix of two systems – a 1.5-litre petrol engine that has 97PS and a 0-62 time of around 9.4 seconds, along with a respectable top speed of 108mph. Plus an electric motor, which helps push the Jazz up to 109PS and 253Nm of torque.
So, firstly, how well does it get a move on?
Well, it’s good, and the engine is very refined thanks to clever technology along with a torque band that’s perfectly aligned for swift overtaking manoeuvres.
Of course, you are never going to break The World Speed Record because the point of most petrol-electric hybrids is to be economical, functional, and fun.
This is something the Jazz has by the bucket load.
On the road:
I will keep it simple here; the little Jazz is the perfect city car – because it’s poised, fun to drive and you will always have a little smile on your face every time you go for a spin.
For me, the Jazz was made for the city streets because it’s quick at dashing around those tight city limits and it’s easy to park.
The new Jazz is, in a nutshell, as good, if not a little better than the funky Fiat 500.
Design & Technology:
The interior of the new Jazz is beautifully simple and incredibly comfortable, with soft-touch materials and clear displays.
A new 7” digital driver display, and 9” Honda CONNECT touchscreen allows you to view essential information quickly and easily.
The remarkable feeling of space is also accentuated by the sleek dashboard with ergonomically designed controls and a wide, unimpeded view of the road.
Plus, the front seats have been designed with anti-fatigue properties to provide limousine class levels of comfort which for me is a win-win.
Comfy seats are a must for anyone over the age of 50 like me.
You also get a load of standard equipment such as; Anti-Lock Braking System and Brake Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Deflation Warning System, Emergency Stop Signal, Forward Collision Warning, Adjustable Speed Limiter, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist System.
That’s just a small amount of what to expect. My test vehicle was kitted out in EX trim so you get additional extras such as; 16” Alloy Wheels, Smart Entry and Start, Front Heated Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Chrome Capped Door Mirrors with Integrated LED Indicators, LED Front Fog Lights, Rear View Camera, Remote Power Windows (Key Fob Operation) and Honda CONNECT with Garmin Navigation; 9” Touchscreen, AM/FM/DAB Digital Radio, Apple CarPlay*, Android Auto™ and x2 USB Jacks.
To sum up: I think the new Honda Jazz is probably going to end up being my favourite city car of 2021.
Price from: £21,185
